A bucket list is typically defined as a list of experiences or goals one hopes to accomplish in their lifetime.

Oakland County Parks and Recreation is scaling that theme down a bit with its new bucket list: a number of activities that county residents should take advantage of outside at local parks before the warmth of summer falls away.

Following the course of the calendar, local dealerships’ summer clearance season typically marks the transition of “out with the old, in with the new” as far as vehicle models are concerned.

According to some local auto dealers, many dealerships start trying to move the current model year’s inventory in the summer in order to make room for the next year’s model. In this case, that means selling off the 2015 models in anticipation of the arrival of 2016 ones.

MACOMB COUNTY — Data collected from the Michigan State Police Traffic Crash Reporting Unit placed the intersection of Groesbeck Highway and Cass Avenue at the top of Macomb County’s most dangerous lists.

The bustling intersection that resides in both Mount Clemens and Clinton Township ranked No. 1 for the most accidents involving vehicle damage, and No. 1 for the most reported injury or fatality crashes in 2014.

MACOMB COUNTY — More than 60 volunteers from throughout Macomb County were honored by the Macomb County Board of Commissioners on June 25.

In order to be recognized, volunteers were required to donate at least 150 hours toward organizations throughout the county and region.

“As we all know, volunteers are the heart of our community. Contrary to many aspects of our lives, volunteers do not have to do anything. Instead, they offer their time, their talent and their resources because they want to help others,” board Chair David Flynn said during the event.

When temperatures climb into the 90s and triple digits, prepared drivers with properly maintained cars are less likely to lose their cool.

According to Al Laity, service director at Rochester Hills Chrysler Jeep Dodge, auto owners should make sure that they or a qualified mechanic check several car components in order to keep the vehicle humming through the summer.

First of all, to prevent the car engine from overheating, make sure the cooling system is in good shape. Check the condition of the engine’s belts and hoses.

That means afternoon dips in a pool, camping trips, outdoor activities and bonfires to close out the night.

But with the onset of summer, it’s important to remember the various ailments that can arise from a day of fun in the sun. Local doctors have several tips for children, adults and senior citizens to help them stay safe and healthy.

METRO DETROIT — In a landmark decision June 26, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry — a successful outcome for one of the largest civil rights movements in recent history.

The ruling will reverse laws in 13 states that still ban same-sex marriage, Michigan included. Same-sex couples will now be able to marry in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia.

With summer heating up, local experts offered advice to save money on energy bills by maximizing efficiency in the home.

“There’s a lot of very simple measures to be more energy-efficient that don’t have to cost a lot of money,” Consumers Energy spokeswoman Deb Dodd said. “You don’t necessarily have to buy new windows or (energy-efficient appliances).”

One measure, Dodd said, is a programmable thermostat, which can reduce air conditioning costs while a home is unoccupied.

The fellow in the cubicle next to you has been coming in each morning with red, tired eyes. He’s rubbing his throbbing temples throughout the day and always has a stash of Ibuprofen on hand.

There’s a good chance your cube pal isn’t an all-night partier, but rather, a daily sufferer of seasonal allergies. And he’s not alone. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, as many as 30 percent of adults and 40 percent of children in the United States are affected by nasal allergies.

The urge to hurry can put a driver at risk of a speeding ticket or even a traffic accident. But even if a speed limit seems like an inconvenience, there is often a carefully considered reason behind the numbers, according to road and safety experts.

According to a document from the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning called “Establishing Realistic Speed Limits,” speed limits are designed to keep all drivers as safe as possible while staying within realistic boundaries of “reasonable and proper” public driving habits.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Although their eyes were stinging a bit and the smell wasn’t the most appealing, Rochelle Niemiec and Justin Updyke got the job done.

The pair chopped up a tray full of onions on the morning of June 23 as they prepared a delicious lunch from scratch alongside their classmates in the culinary/pastry arts summer teen academy at Macomb Community College’s Center Campus.

Every summer, the school offers a number of week-long academies in different fields to give local teenagers the opportunity to explore various careers.

METRO DETROIT — After the YMCA helped set a Guinness World Record last year for the largest simultaneous swimming lesson, you’d think they’d take a year off.

Think again.

Last week, the nonprofit teamed up again with World’s Largest Swim Lesson — a coalition of national water safety experts and trainers — to try to set the record for the world’s largest swim lesson in 24 hours. Currently, Team WLSL holds the Guinness record for the largest simultaneous swimming lesson, with 36,564 participants in 22 countries around the world.

METRO DETROIT — Sixteen people around metro Detroit have been charged in what the federal government is calling the largest Medicare fraud takedown in history.

Nationwide, 243 arrests were made as part of the investigation, including doctors, nurses and other licensed medical professionals for their alleged participation in schemes to defraud Medicare of $712 million through false billings. The investigation also led to the suspension of a number of health care providers.

HARRISON TOWNSHIP — With the Pride of Michigan floating in the background, local officials and business leaders touted the impact that the lake continues to have on the local economy during the second annual State of Lake St. Clair address on June 10.

County Executive Mark Hackel said Macomb County’s Blue Water Economy initiative is the reason for numerous accomplishments since its inception in 2013.

METRO DETROIT — The Michigan Gaming Control Board and 15 plaintiffs, including the Michigan Charitable Gaming Association, have been in a legal battle since the MGCB filed new rules on May 14, 2014, that would significantly limit the amount and type of business conducted in charity poker lounges.

Few things suggest summer like vacations, camping, cookouts and the beach. But AAA Michigan is reminding drivers that summer can also bring increased danger on the roads.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the season between Memorial Day and Labor Day makes up what AAA calls the “100 Deadliest Days.” Teen deaths related to auto accidents tend to rise during this period partly because teens have more time and chances to drive, according to the foundation.

OAKLAND COUNTY — The constant juggle of work and school, as well as a number of other daily responsibilities, can be a strain on many families.

When physical and cognitive disabilities are tossed into the mix, the results can be positively overwhelming, explained Kelli Dobner, vice president and chief development officer for the Judson Center.

For more than 90 years, the Judson Center has provided services to strengthen children, adults and families impacted by autism, developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, abuse and neglect.